GUINEA - The European Commission has lifted the 'red card' and the associated trade measures for fisheries products from the Republic of Guinea, following significant improvements in its national fisheries governance to fight illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, the global value of which is estimated at approximately 10 billion per year.

The EU's IUU Regulation is a key instrument in the fight against illegal fishing that ensures only fisheries products that have been certified as legal can access the EU market.

The Republic of Guinea was warned by the Commission in November 2012 as being considered as non-cooperating and listed by the Council ('red card') for inadequate action against IUU in November 2013.

The removal of the red card follows years of dialogue with Guinea, which has now successfully revised its legal framework, strengthened its sanctioning system, improved monitoring and control of its fleet and waters, and is now complying with international law.

Guinea joins the growing list of countries (Sri Lanka, Ghana, Papua New Guinea, Korea, the Philippines, Fiji, Belize, Panama, Togo and Vanuatu) that have reformed their fisheries governance systems, following a warning by the EU.

EU Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella, said: “This is an important decision for the Republic of Guinea, and good news for sustainable fisheries around the globe. After a long dialogue process Guinea has shown real commitment to fighting illegal fishing. We encourage them to join us in our ongoing work to promote improved ocean governance, including legal and sustainable fisheries worldwide.”